PHYTOCHEMICAL SCREENING AND PHARMACOLOGICAL EVALUATION OF AEGLE MARMELOS FRUIT

The objective of this study was to evaluate the phytochemical and pharmacological screening of fruit extracts of Aegle marmelos using various in vitro methods. The antioxidant activity of the extracts was evaluated by using DPPH free radical scavenging and reducing power method, while well diffusion method was used for antimicrobial activity. Phytochemical screening indicated the presence of flavonoids, and phenolics were abundantly present in methanolic and aqueous extracts of A. marmelos. Methanolic extract showed significant antioxidant potential, which was however inferior to that of ascorbic acid. The methanolic extract showed maximum zone of inhibition against the S. aureus (18 mm) and it was higher than that of the standard tetracycline. The HPLC data predict that the presence of scopoletin, marmelosin and umbelliferone, which may contribute to their pharmacological action.